NxGn: Here is Pick Number 3- Lebanese Basketball

21 Apr.2017– Do it with passion or not at all. Few players play with the enthusiasm, fire, and passion Izzat Kaissiplay with. He leaves everything on the floor, playing his heart out and is never intimidated by any opponent. Here is a quick look at the first of the top 3 U22 talents in Lebanon.

Izzat started playing when he was 6.His dad who used to play encouraged him and was always his number 1 fan, supporting him whenever he needed it. His first steps on the court were with Riyadi, he then moved to Harlem and back to Riyadi again. Wherever he went, Izzat caught the eyes of his coaches, as the young talented guard always stood out among his peers. Kaissi was mostly marked by coach Ahmad Farran and coach Jad Fattouh as they worked with him to develop his game and understand how he should operate on the floor.

In 2012, Kaissi was called up to represent Lebanon in the Asian Championship with the U16s. A tournament where he showed he can handle pressure and perform every time he is given the chance. Since then, Izzat has been working day in and day out to elevate his game participating in camps in the States and in Europe practically every summer.

In 2014, Izzat was selected to participate in the MENA all-star game in Dubai. Izzat even participated in the three-point contest and actually won it. While growing up he always looked up to players like Ali Mahmoud and Omar Turk. Ask how he developed his shot?

His D1 experience started with Al Riyadi club when he was just 17 years old. Manara was his home for 2 years before moving to Tadamon but this was a season to forget as Izzat didn’t really find his feet. For the last 2 seasons, he’s been wearing the colors of Hoops. He finished this season averaging 8.82 ppg, 2.17 rbp, 1.76 app, 1.05 spg.

Definitely a talent to keep an eye on, but Izzat is on the right track to shine among the best. Nothing worth having comes easy, keep grinding young man.